Packers should sign free agent Emmanuel Sanders

The Green Bay Packers were close to signing Emmanuel Sanders last offseason but he chose the New Orleans Saints instead. The Packers will get another opportunity to sign Sanders this spring.

Sanders had a good season in New Orleans, catching 61 passes for 726 yards and five touchdowns, but now he’s a free agent. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Saints are releasing Sanders.

Like we’ve seen so often already this offseason, teams are being forced to release talented players to create cap room. The salary cap is lower than last year, and it’s leading to good players becoming free agents.

Sanders turns 34 on March 17, the day of the new league year, but he proved this past season he can still play. The two-time Pro Bowler has played with some of the best quarterbacks in recent memory including Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. Perhaps he should add Aaron Rodgers to that list.

If it’s a team-friendly deal, it would be a low-risk move for the Packers.

For Sanders, he’d get a chance to go for another Super Bowl. He won a ring in Denver and helped New Orleans reach the playoffs last season. Green Bay would have to be one of the best landing spots for Sanders.

The NFL MVP at quarterback, a great offensive system, and getting to play opposite All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams. The opportunity to have a ton of success is there, both individually and as a team.

The Packers’ offense ranked No. 1 in scoring this past season. While they look likely to lose star running back Aaron Jones, the wide receiver corps could be improved. Take Adams, Allen Lazard, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, then add Sanders and Devin Funchess. Plenty of talent in that group.

Sanders almost ended up in Green Bay last offseason. Maybe now it’ll happen.